Do we have to read every day? Does it really matter if you read or not as you are not going to read every day when you are an adult as you will be too busy? Is it important to be able to read? If you don’t need to read now but you need to be able to read to get a job why can’t you read later?

A study completed in London has found out that the more you read the bigger your brain gets and the bigger your brain gets the smarter you get. 99% of people need to be able to read to get a good job. 100% of people who didn’t read or practise reading regretted it when they were older. Reading can help you with the littlest of things like going out for dinner, you need to be able to read to know what to order off the menu. Whilst it may seem easier to just go and play and read at school, you need to read at home, the more practice the better. I know it’s hard to fit reading in with relaxing but what is more important- reading or play? You might regret it! I have noted that most of you enjoy playing instruments and singing, you need to be able to read the words to the song or read the notes.

I now that for many of you this may seem boring, frustrating and a waste of time but reading can help you with the littlest of things.

Here are a few top tips to make your life a little easier:

Start by reading for only 5 minutes, then when you’re ready then move up 10 minutes.

Choose a book to your reading ability. Don’t pick a book just because you like the look of it (never judge a book by its cover) as you will get frustrated as you can’t read the words and you will not enjoy books as you will struggle with it.

Have a set time for reading and playing for example read at 5:00 and play 6:00

So after finding out that you need to read every day to get a good job, you should try to read every day. Try it out you will be relieved you did. And remember it will help you so much later on. You may think your parents are not nice or kind for telling you to stop playing just to read but they are helping you for the future. Try it out. It maybe more fun than you think!

“My fear was getting involved by dancing in front of everyone. I thought everyone might laugh at me but I just decided to go for it. Afterwards, I felt really proud. Next time I am in a new situation, I am going to fight the fear again!”

Welcome to Alfriston School’s very own ‘Fight the Fear’ Challenge 2015. This is a bid to prove to our students that fear does not have to get in the way of learning.

Where has this come from?
Studies have shown that one of the most significant factors that gets in the way of the success of students in their learning, and progress, is a fear of failure.

The theory
If students see teachers and staff prove that fear does not have to get in the way, then they too will be encouraged to take that risk in the classroom improving their learning experience and progress.

What are we asking students to do over the next year?
We are asking students to overcome their fears of failure or ‘getting it wrong’ by:
• putting their hand up to contribute an idea even if they are not sure it is correct
• trying out an idea verbally before writing (essential to rehearsing for writing technique)
• feeling confident to have a go at a piece of work even if it is not going to be right the first time
• taking feedback
• giving feedback
• understanding that getting it wrong is part of learning

What will Alfriston staff be doing?
To support our students, staff will be tackling their own fears. Photographs will be on display in the main corridor.

How can students/parents keep updated on the latest news and impact of the challenge?
All you need to do is follow our online updates on the school website. For example, check out the launch video- can you spot your teachers? We will also update you throughout the year with students’ testimonials as they face their fears inside the classroom and pictures/videos of staff as they face their fears outside the classroom.